Best Colleges in Ohio for Visual Arts?

I live in Ohio and I'm looking into visual arts programs nearby. I'm curious to know which colleges in Ohio are known for their visual arts faculties and resources. Do any local art students have advice or suggestions for where to consider applying?

Ohio is home to several excellent colleges with strong visual arts programs. It's a good idea to delve into these according to your specific interests and goals but here are some notable ones to consider.

The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is highly regarded for its visual arts program. It's a private institution that has a serious commitment to art and design. They offer a variety of programs such as painting, sculpture, illustration, animation, and game design, just to name a few. They're also known for their strong faculty, many of whom are active artists.

Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) is another great choice. It's known for programs in areas like illustration, fine arts, animation, and graphic design. They also have great facilities including fully equipped studios where students can bring their ideas to life.

Ohio State University's Department of Art has a comprehensive art program where students can specialize in fields ranging from glass art, and ceramics, to sculpture, painting, printmaking, and photography. They also have a diverse faculty who are themselves accomplished artists.

Last but not least, the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) is well-known for its design programs, but its School of Art offers a solid Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program with specialties like painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

Remember that a program’s reputation isn’t everything though. When you're researching these schools, try to visit and see the studios, galleries, and workshops in person if you can. Speak to current students to get a sense of the community and the kind of work they're producing. It's really important that you feel comfortable and inspired in the environment where you're going to be studying. It can be just as valuable as the actual teaching itself.

Hope this helps you in your search!